What Everyone Says About IoT Security Challenges

Internet of Things (IoT) has been the latest buzzword in the IT industry. Industry experts estimate that over 75 billion devices will be connected to the internet by 2025. The hype of IoT security challenges has brought fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) because of the security issues associated with this technology. Some IoT critics call it “Internet of NoThings” instead of “Internet of Things.”

By now, IoT has touched almost all the spheres: in homes, automobile industry, healthcare, building automation, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and more. This technology offers great opportunities for almost every market.

Here we have listed the top IoT Security Challenges and top of the line solutions:

The existence of IoT is digitalizing every aspect of life which now also gives rise to the question of security. Loopholes in IoT security can easily aid hackers and crackers breach into the IoT devices and applications to seal and manipulate data.

IoT hardware-related security challenges

A strong hardware foundation is a key to IoT security. With the increasing demand of Internet of things, hardware has been a major challenge for most of the businesses. One of the main problems with IoT is that hardware devices are expensive and not every business can afford it. The complex design of the architecture of the chips made specifically for IoT devices can be expensive. IoT device chipmakers such as Intel and ARM are working on bridging the security gap by strengthening their processors.

Data capturing takes place through sensors and PLCs. These sensors may be connected to IoT gateways to transmit data to the cloud. Enterprises all over the world need to identify the hardware for IoT implementation. Some business owners choose to add external sensors to their legacy systems. Though it may be cost effective option, it may not be full-proof. Identifying the most suitable physical devices and checking the compatibility with IoT systems is still a challenge for most enterprises.

Security Challenges of IoT Testing

With more than 24 billion IoT connected devices worldwide, it may not be possible to test all the aspects related to security. Tech companies may be quite careless when it comes to handling device-related risks. A few devices may not get IoT updates at all. If the device is not secure, it may be prone to hacks and other security issues.

The growing demand for IoT connected devices compels IoT manufacturers to produce more devices faster, and so, security issues may be overlooked. This can leave customers exposed to potential attacks because of outdated software and hardware. To avoid such security risks, each device should be tested properly before it is launched in the market.

IoT challenges device interoperability – Authorize / Authenticate

With so many devices available in an IoT system, device authorization and authentication becomes crucial. If a potential hacker may need some personal information to gain access to the devices, then the chances of data theft become lesser. Devices should check the identity before providing access to the users for various services and apps. Using two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong passwords can resolve such issues and reduce your exposure to attacks.

When you implement some of the suggested security options discussed in this piece, rest assured that your IoT devices are well secured against external breach of security. Thus, you will enjoy the numerous benefits of having IoT devices at home, in the office, and somewhere else.

IoT management challenges – Managing updates

Applying updates to software running on IoT devices can be a challenging task. All devices may not support updates without downtime. Older devices may not support the advanced updates, and so tech companies should update their devices regularly. Agencies should take security seriously and update their IoT devices so that they are safe and less vulnerable to getting hacked.

The device owners may opt out of applying the updates. It is the responsibility of tech company owners to keep a track of versions that are deployed on each device. The users should be notified about the updates through different channels so that they can secure their devices.

IoT privacy challenges – Data Privacy

Data privacy and security are the two main threats in today’s interconnected world. A lot of tech companies produce, store, transmit and process huge amounts of data from IoT devices. If the data is shared across different teams or externally, the rules should be set for the privacy and security of data. Cached or no longer required data should be disposed of securely.

Enterprises can secure their data and sensitive information with the help of digital signatures. Blockchain helps in easy distribution of IoT data and also ensures the integrity of sensitive information.

IoT Data Challenges – Storage

Data storage may not be a challenge, but it is vulnerable to getting hacked. Zillions of bytes of data can be stored online at different places, but the source may not be safe. Anyone can steal the data and affect your privacy. For instance, you have a lot of IoT data in your mobile and you forget you’re mobile at a restaurant. Is there any guarantee that data will not be stolen if someone steals your mobile? To avoid such issues, one should make use of proper mobile passwords and also enable two-way authentication.

IoT Security: Real Challenges and Solutions

The real challenges for our customers are the cost of personalizing the devices they manufacture with unique IDs, MAC addresses, keys, and certificates, either on the production line or during field deployment. Practically technical solutions for personalization very often provide an additional toolset enabling the highest level of security at no additional cost.

In the last decade, the enterprise architectures and security measures have been improved for all-wired desktop computers to all-wireless-mobile laptop and smartphones but this is not the scenario with all the connected devices. Nowadays, companies are looking forward to connecting many devices, smart devices, objects, and servers through secure networks (public and private).

What needs to be solved on a priority basis is the networking and security issue. It is very common that the data generated by a sensor or a machine travels through different networks and service providers before reaching the targeted application server. So, the link and network security of every communication at all levels need to be secured with protocol stacks like IPsec for IP, WPA for 802.11, 802.15.4, Bluetooth, and so on.

Yet all this cannot be termed as end-to-end application security!

IoT Trends and Future Scope

IoT has become a major business driver as it provides remote accessibility, real-time data, device integration, and centralized control, data analysis and statistical reports, communication on the go, enable location and tracking, encryption and security etc. There are few challenges towards adoption, and implementation of IoT based solutions but the future is definitely promising.

Bilal Momin is a co-founder and CEO of i-Verve Inc - a leading software development company. He is very enthusiastic and has an immense craving for knowledge. His key strengths which are confidence and decision making are backed by his knowledge and logical problem-solving abilities. His result-driven approach and the attitude of going behind the intent of any action have tremendously helped i-Verve in achieving innumerable milestones and reaching the place where it is now. Other than being a great CEO, he’s also an exceptionally good photographer, a golfer, and tech-blogger.

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[03/28/2019]
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